Virginia's Life Sciences Contacts:
Tim Stuller
Project Manager. Technology, Energy, and Corporate Services. Business Development
804-545-5733
TStuller@YesVirginia.org

Twyla Powell
Project Manager. Technology, Energy, and Corporate Services. Business Development
804-545-5723
TPowell@YesVirginia.org

Virginia's Life Sciences Industry
In an increasingly competitive environment, life sciences firms worldwide face complex challenges in the development and commercialization of new health care, food production, environmental protection and biodefense products, technologies, and services. Virginia is well-positioned to lead in supporting life sciences research, development and commercialization because the state offers proximity to strong research institutions, a deep knowledge-based workforce and a mature savvy IT industry. A number of life sciences firms are finding success thanks to the supportive business environment in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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Life Sciences Employment in Virginia

The National Science Foundation reports that almost 20,000 doctoral scientists and engineers are employed in Virginia—the tenth largest concentration in the nation.  In terms of employment, in 2009, the life sciences industry accounted for nearly 18,300 jobs in Virginia. The Research and Testing sub sector clearly comprises the largest share of life sciences overall employment at 42% (7,718 jobs). Next is the Pharmaceuticals sub sector with 25% (4,625 jobs) of the industry’s employment. The Medical Device Manufacturing subsector employs 22% of life sciences jobs (4,079 jobs). Finally, Agricultural Feedstock/Chemicals comprises the smallest share of industry employment at 10%, or 1,875 jobs.

The economic output of Virginia’s Life Sciences Industry is $7.4 billion.  Life Sciences support an additional $4.7 billion in economic activity in Virginia.

Life Sciences Firms in Virginia

In 2009, the Virginia life sciences industry was comprised of approximately 600 firms. The Medical Devices and Equipment sub sector accounts for the largest share of life sciences firms with 51% of the industry (301 firms). Next is the Research and Testing sub sector with 234 firms (39% share).  The Agricultural Feedstock/Chemicals sub sector accounts for 5.3% of life sciences firms in Virginia (31 firms). Finally, Pharmaceuticals is the smallest sector with 4.6% of industry-related firms (28).

There are approximately 600 life sciences companies providing services to the private and government sectors in the Commonwealth.  Listed below are the top 15 life sciences companies in Virginia, ranked by employment.